Endorsement: Tirio for McHenry County recorder of deeds

Both candidates for the McHenry County Recorder of Deeds have plans to cut the budget through staff reductions.

Neither Republican Joe Tirio nor Democrat Lynn Gray, though, has experience in the recorder's office, and will be relying on that same staff to maintain the office's standard of service.

Tirio has made eliminating the position a central issue of his campaign. Gray, a title insurance professional, opposes this.

We share an interest in consolidating government offices at the root of Tirio's position. We'd like to see him lay the groundwork that would demonstrate the merits of the idea -- though it must be said that considerable work remains to be done to show that can be done without disrupting service.

This is particularly true in McHenry County, where consolidation now would mean moving the recorder's functions to a county clerk's office that has had difficulties performing its duties.

Taxpayers deserve a full vetting of the costs of consolidation as well as how much and how soon -- or if -- any savings can be realized while also ensuring the important functions of the office continue. We think they'll best get that full slate of qualities from Tirio. He is endorsed.

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